Alleviating the COPD burden with ICTs

As the third most common cause of death worldwide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major burden on the NHS. Tony Rice, CEO for Tunstall and Dr Kevin Doughty, of TiH, describe how medical telemonitoring and smart sensors can share some of that burden.

keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd), medical telemonitoring, telecare.

abstract

The Going Home, Staying Home demonstrator project was established by Fold Housing Association, Foyle Health and Social Services Trust and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to test the effectiveness of medical telemonitoring equipment in managing the effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fifteen COPD sufferers are taking part in the three-year trial, due to complete in March 2005.

While at home, the patients take two measurements per day using the S21 telemedicine monitor. Each person checks his/her own temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygenation and breathing rate. Results are sent via conventional phone lines and a secure server to a database accessible by the attending clinicians. An automated alert mechanism is embedded in the communications technology, which is triggered when abnormal results are reported.

Since its implementation the trial has played a significant role in reducing the number of bed-nights used by COPD patients with exacerbations, freeing up NHS resources and improving the quality of life of the patients involved.

Br J Healthcare Comput Info Manage 2004; 21(1): 27–8.